Master Thatchers · Est. 1976
Crafting Roofs
That Last Generations
A family-owned thatching business in the heart of Hampshire’s Test Valley, with over 80 years of heritage craftsmanship.
Our Heritage
A family-owned business,
two generations strong.
Established in 1976 by Chris Morton in Kings Somborne, KS Thatchers was born from a teenager’s unwavering ambition to master the centuries-old craft of thatching.
Chris spent years cycling nine miles to the New Forest on his days off, working unpaid alongside master craftsmen Derek Smith and George Wright, two of the finest thatchers of their generation.
Today, with his son Simon now a journeyman thatcher, the family has accumulated over 80 years of combined experience in every aspect of roof thatching, from the production of straw to the final detailing of every job.
From our base in Kings Somborne, we undertake projects across Hampshire, Sussex, Dorset, Devon, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, delivering high-quality thatching work across the region.
“A good thatcher doesn’t just build a roof, he lays down years of patience, craft, and weather in every layer.”
— Chris Morton, Master Thatcher
What We Do
Thatching Services
Full Re-Thatch
Ridge Replacement
Storm & Fire Repair
Thatch Surveys
Comprehensive roof surveys to assess condition and provide expert advice on maintenance and repair options.
Roof Carpentry
Structural roof carpentry and chimney rebuilding, ensuring complete safety and structural integrity beneath the thatch.
Garden Features
Bespoke thatched gazebos, summer houses, fishing lodges and garden follies. From grand designs to charming duck houses.
Areas We Cover
Traditional craftsmanship across
Hampshire & surrounding counties
Based in the Test Valley, KS Thatchers carries out traditional thatching work across Hampshire and the surrounding counties. We regularly undertake projects in Sussex, Dorset, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Devon, working on everything from full re-thatching and ridge replacement to repairs, surveys and roof carpentry.
- Hampshire
- Sussex
- Dorset
- Wiltshire
- Oxfordshire
- Berkshire
- Devon
our materials
From Our Fields
To Your Roof
Our Quality Standards
A thatcher is only as good as
the material he uses.
KS Thatchers produce what is arguably the finest thatching material this country has ever seen, right on our own farm in the Test Valley. We monitor the process from start to finish, and only natural organic fertilisers are used.
Before sowing, our fields are grazed for four years, alternating between grass and clover. Then mustard is grown and ploughed back in, eliminating pests while enriching the soil. Only then do we sow our traditional long-strawed wheat variety.
The first growth is grazed by sheep, which strengthens and waxes each stem. This centuries-old method produces straw that is shorter, stronger, and remarkably durable.
Organic Farming
Only natural organic fertilisers used
4 Year Rotation
Fields grazed alternating grass and clover
Heritage Varieties
Traditional long-strawed wheat
25-35 Year Life
Far exceeding industry average
